Scotland – The Land Of Warm-Hearted People And Legendary Landscapes

There are places that are more than just geographical points on a map. They are dreams of longing, mirrors of one’s own thoughts, and sometimes even a piece of home that one only discovers while traveling. Join me on my personal journey.

Scotland is just such a place for me. Between the mist-shrouded Highlands, ancient castle ruins, and the rough sound of the sea, I experienced more than just fascinating landscapes. I also experienced quiet moments that linger in my memory.

Not a classic travelogue

This journey through Scotland is not a classic travelogue. It is a foray through stories, encounters, and emotions. With a touch of magic, a glass of whiskey, and a pinch of humor. Come along on a journey that not only takes you through Scotland, but also a little way through your own heart. Scotland, the land where there are more sheep than people, where it’s not just the whiskey that gets you drunk, but also the magical landscape. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I immediately accepted the invitation from my Scottish friend who lives there—we’ll call her Shona.

When I landed in Inverness for the first time, I was able to throw my romantic notions of mist swirling around castle ruins and mystical moorlands right out the window. People always imagine this country to be mystical and magical. I can tell you: Scotland is even more mystical and magical than you could ever imagine.

Kilts, culture, and cool Scots

My adventure in Scotland began at Inverness Airport, although “airport” is a generous term. I felt like I had landed in Lummerland. There is exactly one gate, one baggage carousel, and probably only one man who is simultaneously the pilot, baggage handler, and security chief. The atmosphere? Scottish relaxation. Almost like family.

Shona was already waiting for me at the baggage carousel. We fell into each other’s arms, overjoyed to finally see each other again. Neither of us knew what exciting, bizarre, and turbulent events awaited us in the coming days. The adventure had begun. And it looked like the checkered daisy, a mixture of Scottish idiosyncrasy and delicate surprise. A symbol of what lay ahead: wild, soft, and with a pattern that no one could quite interpret.

From Ardersier to Iverness

I can always stay with Shona. She used to live in a sleepy village that was once a fishing village. Officially, the place is called Ardersier. Small houses, lots of wind, and the smell of the sea and cosiness. Right on the Moray Firth, a large arm of the Scottish North Sea in the northeast, there is a beautiful coastal landscape where many dolphins live in the sea. If you’re lucky, you can see them. I always felt very safe in this former small fishing village. No one can escape the sound of the sea or the cries of the seagulls.

Some time ago, Shona moved to Inverness. It’s a bit more urban, but you’ll receive just as warm a welcome and be treated just as well. Staying with her doesn’t just mean getting a guest room; you practically become part of the family. The neighbors greet you as if you’ve always been there. Some even bring over a cake, while others just want to know “what it’s like in Old Germany.”

Many of them have been there themselves, as soldiers, travelers, or exchange students. And almost all of them say the same thing: “We love the Germans. So polite.” I nod and smile. Later, I ask Shona, “Did they mean polite or political?” She laughs. “Polite. Polite means polite. Political would be political.” I breathe a sigh of relief. I was afraid they thought we were walking election posters.

You are welcome, my dear! No sooner had we arrived than we were greeted with Shona’s favorite drink: whiskey liqueur with cola. I took a sip, sighed contentedly, and said casually, “This tastes like Nessie water.” Shona looked at me, then we both burst out laughing. The name stuck. From then on, Nessie water was our favorite drink. “Although,” said Shona, “you would make a good chancellor.” “But only if I’m allowed to introduce Nessie water to the Bundestag.” And then we both laughed and had a blast.

First excursion: Fort George

Our first excursion took us to Fort George, a fortress that is in excellent condition. As soon as you enter the grounds, you feel transported to another time. The mighty walls, the meticulously maintained barracks, and the sweeping view over the Moray Firth make history not only visible but tangible.

The fort is very close to Shona’s former home. It is within walking distance, which makes it a familiar place for me, almost like a neighbor with stone shoulders. It is one of those places that you don’t just visit, but return to again and again, like old friends who never get boring. Along with Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle, Fort George is one of my absolute highlights in the Highlands. Places that dig deep into your heart and stay there forever.

On that day, a medieval market was taking place there. Amongst tents, armor, and the smell of roasted meat, we discovered a stall with all kinds of strange-looking tools, rusty, pointed, and definitely not intended for gardening. Behind it stood a scary-looking man with a grim expression and a Scottish accent that could have come straight out of a dark fairy tale.

Curious, I asked him, “Are you a doctor?” He grinned broadly, his voice as rough as peat whiskey. “Lady, when I’m done with you, you won’t need a doctor anymore!” As it turned out, he was the royal torturer. We immediately got a good dose of goose bumps. And a never-ending fit of laughter on top of that.

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Of course, a visit to Scotland’s most famous lake was a must: Loch Ness. Even the drive there was an experience. Winding roads, lush greenery. And again and again, that mysterious view of the water, as if something could appear at any moment. Something big. Something legendary. Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland. The equally famous ruins of Urquhart Castle are located directly on the shore and offer a spectacular view of the lake. The ruins themselves tell stories of sieges, kings, and lost battles. And yet they seem peaceful, almost romantic.

When we arrived, a bagpipe player was playing the Great Highland Bagpipe, a traditional Scottish instrument. The sound carried across the water, mingling with the wind and making us feel for a moment as if we were part of a movie. A bit cliché? Perhaps. But exactly as one would wish. And then, right on the shore, between two stones, we discovered a sign. Handwritten, slightly crooked, but clear. “On vacation, Nessie.”

We had to laugh out loud. Whether she’s splashing around in the Caribbean or just taking a break from the celebrity hype—who knows? Instead, we visited these beautiful castle ruins. The museum there is also very interesting and informative. But one thing is certain: Loch Ness without Nessie is like tea without shortbread. It’s like the missing piece in a puzzle.

Eilean Donan Castle: Mystical ruins, built to last forever

Between three lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh – Eilean Donan Castle rises like a silent guardian of the Highlands. On the way to the Isle of Skye, you suddenly encounter it: this castle that seems to consist of mist and legend. Surrounded by wind, water, and cormorants, the castle appears timeless, mystical, rugged, and beautiful. It was there that I saw a woman playing the bagpipes for the first time. Her Great Highland Bagpipe sounded rousing and powerful, free and full of soul. It was a moment that touched me deeply.

And inspired me. Back home, I set out to find a band. And what can I say? Right in my hometown, there was a woman who is still a member of that band today. She took me to rehearsal. After that, I learned to play and love this wonderful instrument. I was with the band for a total of eight years. Whenever I hear those unmistakable sounds, I am transported back to that place where eternity and sound merge.

Last but not least – Inverness

After all the wide open spaces, fun experiences, wind, and mystical sounds of the Highlands, we visited the oldest pub in town in the evening. Live music, bagpipe accompaniment, dark wood, full glasses, and stories that got better with every pint.Man kam sich vor wie in der Muppet-Show. It felt like being on The Muppet Show. Not only because some of the guests looked like they belonged there, but because they put on their own show with their unmistakable charm and humor. Warm, wonderful, quirky. Beautiful enough to fall in love with! To finish off the evening, a glass of Nessie water. Slange var!

Fancy visiting Scotland?

I hope my report has given you a little taste of Scotland. With every trip, you discover more impressive landscapes, with typical flora and fauna, moving stories, and traditional dishes such as haggis with mashed potatoes and rutabagas, the Highland cattle grazing contentedly there, also known as cuttles, and sheep.

Scotland is more than a mystical land with supposedly bad weather and plaid skirts. Scotland is a land of contrasts. Sometimes you think you are in Bavaria, on a German North Sea island, in the Black Forest, or in the Lüneburg Heath. And yet it is always unmistakably Scotland: diverse, steeped in history, and unique.

My heart is stuck there on a hill. Always a reason for me to return and find it again. I wish you a fantastic, unforgettable trip to Scotland. See you soon. Maybe in a kilt.